Despite putting up 48 points, the Clemson Tigers got off to another slow start in week three. The Tigers were favored by 33.5 points going into their game against Louisiana Tech. With the score only being 13-6 in favor of the Tigers at the half, it appeared that the offense was once again going to underperform. It was especially discouraging considering the fact that quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was coming off of a solid game in the week prior against Furman. Clemson was able to secure the victory 48-20, but there is still much that has yet to be seen from the Tigers offense. If Clemson wants to be able to have success in Winston-Salem against Wake Forest in week four, they are going to have to lean into their strengths on offense.
More Ship Needs to Happen
The one bright spot for Clemson on offense this year has been Sophomore running back Will Shipley. The second year running back has had multi-touchdown games in all three games so far this season, with six total. It is also the first time since 1950 that a Clemson Tiger has scored at least 2 touchdowns in each of the first three games of the season. Shipley is coming off of his best game of the season so far rushing for a career high 139 yards and two touchdowns. He has clearly become Clemson’s biggest threat on offense, and if the Tigers want to be a consistent offense, Shipley is going to have to be that guy every week. Head coach Dabo Swinney and first year offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter have to realize this and start getting the ball to Shipley in more creative ways. As far as receiving goes, it has virtually been non existent as a part of Shipley’s game. If the offense can figure out a way to utilize Shipley in the receiving game, I think it can go a long way for the entire Clemson offense.
Knowing What to Ask of DJ and Receivers
Everyone knows by now that DJ Uiagalelei is not going to be the reason why Clemson wins games. The Tigers formula for success is going to run through their defense shutting down opponents and creating opportunities for the offense. Yes Clemson’s offense has been able to put up some points through the first three games, but they aren’t going to play opponents like Furman and Louisiana Tech every week.
Looking back at their week three performance, there was a lot of good and bad that stood out in the passing game. It is becoming clear that Clemson is missing that star receiver that they have had in recent years like an Amari Rodgers or a Tee Higgins. In the game against Louisiana Tech, there were a lot of passes being thrown by Uiagalelei that were thrown into tight coverage. It was rare to see a Clemson receiver that was able to get seperation from a defender downfield. DJ’s play has been well documented by now, but at some point you have to look at the offense as a whole.
Through the first three games, there hasn’t been a Clemson receiver with more than four catches in a game. Receivers like Beaux Collins and Joseph Ngata have shown flashes of what they are capable of, but need to prove that they can do it more consistently in game. Clemson has been a program that has taken great pride in recent years at producing NFL caliber talent at the wide receiver position. If the Tigers want to see improvement in their passing game, someone will have to emerge as a reliable option for Uiagalelei going forward.
Find an Identity
Head coach Dabo Swinney has a lot to go off of from the first three weeks of the season. While still not complete, Uiagalelei and passing game have improved, and Will Shipley is bursting onto the scene. Given what the offense has shown so far, hopefully Clemson will look to commit to Shipley and find ways to utilize Uiagalelei when needed. With the level of competition in their first three games, it is fair the say that the Tigers will be looking forward to facing a team like Wake Forest in week four.